Question #1:
Hi Bob,
With the election on the horizon, how do you see this playing out in
setting up for the Tribulation? What I mean to say is does a Harris or
Trump win make its coming more or less likely?
Response #1:
The first thing to say is that God's plan is not dependent upon human events;
it's the other way around. Yes, we all have free will, but all of our choices
have been anticipated and perfectly integrated into His plan (we've discussed
this before;
link).
Of course, it's impossible not to speculate about this. We are told to be alert,
and that's important now more than ever, the closer we get. I've been thinking
about this too (probably more than I should). To be honest, neither eventuality
seems to me to play into a 2026 start date particularly well. We can all
probably agree that the worldwide slide into absolute immorality and anarchy
coupled with the Laodicean doubling down on lukewarmness and worse (in terms of
the worst extremes of NAR "spiritual warfare" and dominionism) cannot continue
on like this forever. But, on the other hand, things, while terrible and
deteriorating daily, do not appear to me to be on the point of imminent
collapse, not, that is, to the point of everyone gleefully embracing antichrist
as the solution to all their problems.
Things can change in a hurry, we have to accept. One thing to keep in mind is
that the "revelation of antichrist" does not take place until AFTER the
Tribulation begins (2Thes.2:6-9). So it's entirely possible that this person's
name has not even appeared in the news yet – and might not do so until the day
after the Tribulation begins.
As you know, the projection offered at Ichthys about the potential date for the
Tribulation is an interpretation based upon (among other things;
see the link): 1) the seven millennial days, with the positing of two such
for the Church Age; 2) the putative date of the cross / resurrection as having
taken place 33 A.D.; 3) the reckoning of the seven years of the Tribulation as a
joint period between the ages of Israel and the Church, so that the second
advent would occur 2,000 years after 33 A.D. and not 2,000 plus 7. Clearly, if
the last point is incorrect, there are seven additional years to come after 2026
(I do not think this is the case:
link);
clearly, if the 33 A.D. date is off, that would skew things either earlier or
later (while this date is based in part upon secular, non-biblical information,
I also believe it to be accurate:
link).
I often get emails to the effect of "what is the point of making any long range
plans with the end being so close?" To which I always reply that we ought to do
TODAY what the Lord wants us to do TODAY. As He Himself told us, "Do not worry
about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own." (Matt.6:34 NIV). That does not mean that we cannot or
should not have basic plans about the future course of our lives. There is as
with most things a godly middle course here. On the one hand, we don't want to
be so imprudent as to give no thought to tomorrow whatsoever so as to, e.g., not
make plans for our future education or preparation for some profession in order
to earn our bread for ourselves and those who depend on us – which is not only
godly but required (1Tim.5:8); on the other hand, we also don't want to become
so fixated on future details which are, in fact, out of our own control, that we
start losing focus on what is important on the present day, the only day that
the Lord has actually given us for the purpose of spiritual growth, progress and
progression: we know what we're supposed to be doing today; we can only do what
we plan to do tomorrow if the Lord allows.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
James 4:13-15 NIV
Finally, I know that many people are very upset about the current political
process and impending election. Here's a good example of "not knowing" what will
happen, whether it be the initial outcome itself or what may transpire as the
result of it, whoever wins. This is an excellent test for all believers to gauge
their spiritual maturity and proper, eternal perspective. God will take care of
us, no matter what. We know that will be the case even during the Tribulation (see
the link); how much more is that not the case before it even begins? We have
a right, as believers in Jesus Christ, to look on these present events in a
dispassionate way from the heavenly perspective. God's will is being done and
there is much more involved in that than the petty and small issues that are
causing so many so much fear and rage – petty and small from the divine
perspective, that is. Is anything more important than eternal life? And for us
believers, is anything more important than receiving a good report from Jesus
Christ on the great day to come? The latter is not dependent upon politics or
regimes at all; it is entirely dependent upon our positive response to Him and
His truth – or lack thereof.
No amount of disappointment with a result we don't like or elation with a result
we do like is going to change any of this – except that to the extent that we
allow ourselves to be distracted either way from what is REALLY important, to
that extent we are only letting ourselves get sucked into the devil's game. Can
there really be any doubt about the fact that the evil one is active on BOTH sides?
So while we all have opinions and "druthers", as those who are committed to
honoring and serving Jesus Christ, it really is spiritually salutary to keep
politics at arm's length.
Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:19b-21 NIV
Our Lord told us that His kingdom was "not of this [present] world", and so neither is ours. We are looking forward to the resurrection, to Christ's millennial kingdom in which we shall share in His rulership, and to our feternal homes in New Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is our Ruler. We did not elect Him. He elected us.
As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27b CSB
So we believers have a right to look past all the noise and churn down here on planet earth, to include this election, and in peace to focus instead on all the wonderful glories to come when our King returns to rescue us.
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 KJV
Wishing your Christ's peace in the days ahead, no matter what the outcome.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Good evening.
I recently started using this site for my Bible study and I'm currently
on Peter's epistles. He keeps talking about being selected. I've tried
to push it but it's a bit disturbing.
How are we selected? Does that mean that even if I give my life to
Christ, as long as I've not being selected it's futile? Matthew 22:14
also says “.....many are invited, but few are chosen”. It's there any
extra thing to do to get selected?
Response #2:
Good to make your acquaintance. You don't have to do anything. You have already done everything by believing in Jesus Christ. All believers are elect – that is what the passage says as this epistle was addressed to believers:
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
1st Peter 1:1-2 NKJV
The meaning of election is explained in the context of the Peter study, but it is also no secret. In the plan of God, God has selected/elected everyone who is willing to believe in Jesus Christ. Those unwilling are not elect/selected. In other words, because you have believed in Jesus Christ, you are elect/were selected in eternity past. God the Father knew what you would choose, and His choice of you is based upon your choice to believe in Jesus Christ. Theological schools which split these two things apart (e.g., Arianism and Calvinism) are in error. As it says in 1st John . . .
We love Him because He first loved us.
1st John 4:19 NKJV
The two are inseparable.
Here are some further links:
God's Plan to Save You (in BB 4B)
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob,
Just wanted to give you an update on things here in England.
Freezing minus temperatures in the first week of December! We have never
known such cold! We have already had -5 °C and there is forecast -15 °C
in some places later on. Today we had snow which is very early for these
wet but relatively mild climes. People are really frightened over fuel
hikes so many people will have to choose between heating and eating this
Christmas.
Indeed, my last address before moving up was near to __ the poorest
borough in Europe. On the TV it said that they are actually making
heated spaces for people to come and get warm for free. Some people stay
there all day as they cannot afford to heat their own homes. We have had
food banks for quite a while now where people can get free food rations
for the week if they get a referral from another authority. I used to
volunteer at the one based in the Salvation Army but they closed it down
through Covid but now it has moved into the library, such is the demand
for food.
[omitted]
There is very little between the two parties now. It used to be that the
Conservatives were for private enterprise, the aspirational and
traditional values. Labour was (traditionally speaking) also for
traditional values but for protecting workers' rights. The thing is that
all politics in England has gone to the right economically and to the
left socially. Traditional family values has been binned by both parties
and although they all talk the talk of 'levelling up' opportunities and
'for the many not the few' unfortunately it is all back handers,
cronyism and feathering their own nests. Like I said before: right wing,
left wing = same bird.
Obviously now I know that politics is Satan's playground and to steer
very, very clear of it all. I historically was very left leaning as I
really believed it meant looking after the disadvantaged but I see
through that now. Only Jesus truly cares for the ones who are
struggling. No politician truly cares of anything beyond his own pocket
and his own belly.
One YouTuber put it as 'poking the bear', that people are getting so
riled up by the living conditions and the blatant ineptitude of
government, police, judiciary etc that they are all saying the same
thing "Rise up!"
Yes this probably is the Devil's plan to goad us so much that we all
turn on the powers that be. It occurred to me that the Satanic Rebellion
at the very beginning is what Satan is aiming for now. He wants global
human rebellion so that we 'take the power back' ourselves.
I realise that we must stay on the same narrow path and not be diverted
from spiritual growth, maturity, passing tests and production. I know
that our flesh will often yearn to fight back but this is a spiritual
war and Satan knows that to get us to fight in the flesh is to leave the
safety of our spiritual posts in this battle. In the Spirit we have the
Lord's protection, in the flesh we have nothing at all.
That is why the full armour of God is so important, the enemy
desperately wants us to take this armour off and join the rebels in this
fleshly battle but instead we must stick to our posts to fight back
spiritually not physically. Amen!
In happier news I have just received my A+ report card for Lepidoptery.
Please send me news from your side of the pond my friend.
In Jesus,
p.s. I have been making my own advent calendar days for the run up to
Christmas as an excuse to witness to my family. I will share with you
the few ones I have already done.
Response #3:
Thanks for the update. One would think that these sorts of patent
injustices would indeed rile people up. That hasn't happened over here
as the recent election demonstrates. I think the younger generations
have drunk too much of the fatal Kool-aid to care. Being isolated from
reality until much later in life as has been the trend, a trend which
has been accelerated by the Covid experience, seems to have something to
do with it. Also, getting all of your information through Tik-tok, etc.
It's actually amazing to me that more unbelievers aren't frantically
involved in politics since it's only with the clear eyes that come from
a deep investment in the truth that gives a person the equanimity to
stay away, and we all know that all too few Christians even have that
nowadays.
I do hope that you and yours are not suffering from the cold and the
prohibitive expense.
Good news about being close to earning "your wings" so to speak! As
mentioned, one of my uncles and my grandfather made a career out of
entomology (you can still find their stuff in print).
Things here are going OK. I'm now done with classes completely for this
semester but I have a lot to do in getting ready for the next one, and a
lot of ancillary things regarding work. One good thing: I had a second
article accepted and that is a huge relief; also, I had to work on the
proofs for the first one last week, but the good news on that is that
the publication date is 2022. So I'll be in good shape for the merit
review in March. Thanks for those prayers, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
Thank you as well for all the weekly emails. I really appreciate the hard work
you put into this for us. I might not always say much or ask many questions but
I do listen, take it all in, learn and do some extra research when I need to.
It's lovely to hear how well the gardening is going so far. Your zinnias were
amazing last year! Hummingbird heaven! Praying for a good run for you on your
research too. It was a tough year for you last year.
[omitted]
"Praise God for the solid and unshakeable hope we've been given in Jesus
Christ!" Amen! I've been reading Ephesians and Ichthys.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in
the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3
And how blessed we are with salvation, adopted into the family of God, having
the seal of the Holy Spirit, having everything provided for our spiritual
growth, progress and production, the basis for our eternal rewards. Bringing us
safe through to the day of resurrection when we will begin to experience our
eternal life and rewards to His praise and glory forevermore!
We have SO much to praise the Lord for! Focusing on these blessings is a great
way to detox from the things we are surrounded by in this world. Helps me
through the long testing time I'm going through too.
Thanks so much for your prayers too, Bob!
In Jesus
Response #4:
It's my great pleasure, my friend!
Thanks for the update and the very encouraging words. Looking forward and upward
as you are doing is what we all should do.
Spent a long time out in the sun today. Getting close to being down to
maintenance . . . and enjoyment!
Thank you for your prayers (I have a feeling that they were answered).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Thanks Bob,
I am mentally and emotionally on the mend now..thanks for those prayers!
Learning now to distance myself immediately from toxic people who I don't need
to have contact with. If I am moved to, I sometimes pray for them but won't
stick around for mind games.
I realise I struggle when I focus on these things but when I turn to the Lord
and completely focus on Him, then I get over it pretty quickly so I am really
getting there now--thank you!
The times are getting more grim by the day though right? I can't image how I
would be 'reacting' to all this without faith. It's hard to imagine how people
can cope with all the horror and insanity without any hope and faith!
Was looking at some historical things to do when I get to Bristol at the end of
November.
These days I feel strange going into old churches and cathedrals as I know that
whatever I find in them (especially these days) will be so removed from my lived
and studied faith that they feel alien to me, which is a shame.
Sure enough Bristol Cathedral has some huge exhibition about Gaia and earth
worship in there at the moment so I will probably be skipping that as I won't be
able to stomach it. Most cathedrals in England belong to the Church of England
but that has pretty much gone full apostate now. Everyone is very welcome in
there, as long as you're not a Bible believing, Spirit filled Christian that is.
Even my appreciation of architecture and history probably couldn't override such
blatant embracing of paganism of the church visible. My blood pressure couldn't
cope with it! I didn't realise this but Bristol Cathedral is a hotspot for all
things 'woke'.
As you can see by the photo I have attached and on the website, they clearly
state that they 'worship under Gaia'. It includes an illustration of an opening
lotus flower which is a prominent symbol in Eastern Mysticism for 'rebirth'. Of
course not at all Biblical but occultic.
https://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/whats-on/gaia-landing/
Here is the climate change cult 'Extinction Rebellion' in Bristol Cathedral
which is supported by the Church of England.
https://youtu.be/CxChnjwBqMc?si=Pr-C2VoCnEE22d83
Only found out today that the Cof E Archdeacon over my area is 'Transgender'
(Rachel Mann). He has written things that are so blasphemous that I can't write
them here or even allude to it.
On your side of the pond, I know that on the Tex -Mex border it was typical to
have 'Day of the Dead' festivals but I saw a flyer the other day on social media
and they are having them in Seattle too. So the rot is quickly spreading there
too.
I know your election day will bring trouble to your country either way so I am
trying to ignore it all, sticking with my knitting and keeping worries covered
by prayer (will also pray for your country).
I know though from my very liberal biased social media account that the Dems
think all Republicans are evil and the Republicans think all the Dems are evil.
A real sorry state of affairs and not much better in my country too my friend.
Of course though none of this should surprise us as it is merely laying the
foundations of the Tribulation.
Though we have a right and a blessed hope that the closer and heavier the coming
Tribulation weighs upon us, the sooner that our Lord will return!!!
Marana-tha!
Good time now for anyone who hasn't already to get stuck into your Coming
Tribulation series!
(You can print this one!)
In Jesus,
p.s. also note that the C of E now says 'Eucharist' rather than communion which
is a nod back towards Catholicism and Transubstantiation! It's like the
Reformation never happened! Someone else commented that on one hand we have an
unChristian orthodoxy (Islam, Catholicism, LDS, SDA etc) and on the other we
have paganism (New Age/ Occult: Earth worship, Buddhism, Hinduism). We are the
outliers for not merging with all the others!
Response #5:
Thanks much for this, my friend, and also for your willingness to share.
I think your take on our election is spot on. It is JUST possible that if side A
wins the sky will not fall and that if side B wins the earth will not open up
and swallow us whole. But it will be interesting to see how the winners and
losers react after the fact (assuming we know in any sort of a timely fashion
who wins and who loses).
I would personally be able to take all this in stride except for the fact that
so many are getting so upset about the possibility of "the other side" winning
(regardless of which side we are talking about). It does make me a tad
apprehensive about the aftermath. As you know from reading the site, it's not
likely that the Tribulation is directly at the doorstep, but the melting down of
the body politic over here certainly demonstrates how some massive upending of
state might occur easily enough in the not too distant future. It is
interesting, but in the same sense of the Tribulation, namely, "sweet in the
mouth but bitter in the stomach": the more one has to experience it personally
rather than just observe it, the more bitter it is. It tends to validate the
(apocryphal) Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times!" Whoever didn't
say that, should have.
We don't know the specifics of the future, but the Bible gives us the broad
outlines of what is going to happen. We can certainly see the trend lines
clearly enough, and on every front they are turning away from the truth (as your
email supports). But however rotten things get, we believers understand that
this is all temporary; that we are not down here for ourselves but for the Lord;
that in short order we will be with Him and with all our brothers and sisters
together forever; that on that day nothing we have suffered down here will vex
us, and everything we did right will bless us forever.
So instead of getting myopically focused on all the terrible things we are
viewing and what seems to be coming, we all need to keep our eyes solidly
focused on Jesus Christ and His truth more than ever before. In time shortly to
come we are going to need every last ounce of spiritual growth and truth stored
in our hearts to make it through (Lk.18:8).
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
p.s., thanks for the "plug" for reading
Coming Tribulation!
Question #6:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I am so sorry for not responding to you sooner, your last message was so
encouraging and has helped me immensely. After years of struggling with things,
I finally seem to be slowly getting out - all thanks to God of course, and you
and Ichthys, and my friends and family. It's nice to not be super stressed and
sad most of the time - now I am generally a happy person, which is more like the
old me.
The email postings lately have been so timely, and yesterday's on prayer was
good for me. I don't pray very much and I know that isn't good. I also haven't
been spending much time with God lately and I can definitely feel it. When I
left this summer, I was so fired up about what I was going to do, writing all
those things I thought God was leading me to write to help other ladies - I was
spiritually going strong, even though I was pretty sick. Now, its the opposite -
I am well again, but I've let my spiritual growth slide and I don't like it. I
used the feel the Holy Spirit's leading so clearly and I can't now.
I am working again, which has been nice! I feel useful again! I have a part time
job working at a restaurant where I check people out and restock the store part.
I also got another part time at a clothing store and I start training on
Saturday.
I have a couple of questions:
1) Who is Biblical Israel and who are the Jews post Jesus' resurrection? I
understand that they are God's chosen people and I understand the Old Testament
Israel pretty well. Is Biblical Israel different from the Israel we have right
now? I just don't quite understand it.
2) What does Matthew 24:36 mean? Does Jesus not know when He is coming back?
Thank you for all your prayers for me. I hope you are well!
Respectfully,
Response #6:
Great to hear from you! I'm also very happy to learn all your good news.
In terms of spiritual growth, what you are going through is not unusual. It's
very, very easy to assume that since we are doing well spiritually at the
moment, we can just "coast" on that and don't need to keep reading our Bibles,
praying and listening to / reading good teaching. And it may not be obvious
after a few days or even a few weeks of letting down, but eventually it becomes
very obvious that we all need to be spending time with the Lord every day. We
are in this world for Him. A day without growth, progress and production is a
day wasted (Eph.5:16; Col.4:5). Good to hear that you're resolved to getting
back on your feet, spiritually.
For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.
Proverbs 24:16a NIV
Israel is/are God's chosen people, the descendants of Abraham. Therefore all Jews are Israel, but as we know from scripture, "not all Israel is Israel" (Rom.9:6). That is to say, Abraham was a man of exceptional faith, and it was on that basis that God blessed him with the special relationship of being the forefather of this special people. So the people of Israel also were to be special in their faith as well. But what of those who have no faith at all? Only believers are saved. So all believers are "children of Abraham" because of faith which emulates his, but no one who does not believe, regardless of physical ancestry, is saved.
Therefore, the promise [to Abraham] comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
Romans 4:16 NIV
Israel is thus the special people into which the entire Church will be
incorporated at the resurrection (link).
The Church consists of all believers from Adam and Eve to the last person saved
during the Tribulation at the end of which the resurrection occurs. We are,
Jewish and gentile believers all, "those who are Christ's at His coming"
(1Cor.15:23), and thus all included within the Church, which is Christ's Body,
Christ's Bride, where "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male
and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."
In this world, there is an experiential difference between gentiles and Jews,
even though all within the Church are one in Christ; but in eternity we will all
be one without distinction in ways we cannot yet comprehend. And that is why
Paul can say, referring to all of us in the Body . . .
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is significant, but what is significant is a new creation (i.e., Jewish and gentile believers united in Christ: cf. 2Cor.5:17; Eph.2:14). And as many as walk by this standard, may peace be upon them, that is, upon God's Israel (i.e., the entire elect, saved human family of God).
Galatians 6:15-16
So in terms of the state of Israel today, it is composed mostly of Jews, very
few of whom are believers. They are "they are loved on account of the
patriarchs", but individually they are still "children of wrath" (Eph.2:3)
unless and until they believe in Jesus Christ. The secular state of Israel today
therefore is not of God in the sense that that nation was His in the past nor in
the sense that it will be in the future. The present return was man-made (even
though of course nothing happens without God's permissive and directive will);
the return to the land after Christ's return will be all God's doing (see
the link).
So while the Jews in modern day Israel are Israel according to the flesh, they
are not Israel in God's eyes except as they individually believe. And while we
gentile believers are not Israel according to the flesh, we are part of Christ's
Body which is His beloved, children of Abraham on account of our faith, "Israel"
in a spiritual sense.
It is also very important to keep in mind that the promises God made to Israel
according to the flesh still obtain to all of Abraham's seed, so that failing to
treat Jews with respect is a very dangerous thing for any gentile to do,
especially for a believer. And it is also important to keep in mind that in
every generation of the Church there have been as there are today a remnant of
Jews according to the flesh who are also believers in Jesus Christ, fulfilling
the biblical mandate to believe according to Abraham's pattern (Gen.15:6). We
gentiles are one with them spiritually as fellow members of Christ's Body; and
in the flesh they deserve a special measure of respect as those who are also
physically of Abraham's seed.
I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant [of believing Jews] chosen by grace.
Romans 11:1-5 NIV
In terms of Matthew 24:36 where our Lord says, "But about that day or hour no
one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father",
this was said from our Lord's humanity. While He was on earth during the first
advent, in order to be an acceptable sacrifice He had to live a truly human life
as we all do and not be helped directly by His deity. This is traditionally
called "the doctrine of kenosis" based upon the Greek verb in Philippians
2:7 (see
the link). What it means in terms of the passage you ask about is that of
course Christ as God could not NOT know anything; but in His humanity at that
time before the cross certain things were withheld from Him. Why that is so in
this instance has to do, I believe, with the fact that "for the sake of the
elect", the exact hour and day of the second advent are not known because the
final time is shortened – otherwise none would survive (Matt.24:22), and the
exact length of that shortening is a mystery that will only be brought to light
at the time it happens. All the more reason to stay awake and alert (not doubt
another reason for our Lord saying this).
Have a good week ahead! Keeping you in my prayers every day.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
Ok, so the Jews are Abraham's physical descendants and we should specially
respect them as God's chosen people, even modern day Israel (even though not all
Jews are saved). When you say, "in the flesh they deserve a special measure of
respect as those who are physically of Abraham's seed." What would that look
like, how can I apply that in my own life? Would it be praying for Israel's
safety and their corporate and individual salvation through Jesus Christ?
May I please ask you another question? In terms of this upcoming election, I am
inclined not to vote, since if I am understanding what you say correctly,
politics can't fix anything and our enemy is using politics.
I know that God is in control and works all situations to the good of His
children. We also have free will. This is a simplified example, but some people
say that if 5 people would vote for something good, but they think it's useless
and so they don't vote - well, if those 5 people had just came out and voted, we
could slow down evil. Can you slow down anything though, or is it all just going
along how God planned it (letting our free will play out in time of course?)
On the humanity of Jesus, that makes sense, thank you! So now that He is
glorified and with God the Father again, of course Jesus knows when He is
returning.
Thank you for the help!
Respectfully,
Response #7:
Yes, that's exactly the way I see it:
"I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:3 NKJV
In terms of application, I agree with the second part about the people rather
than the first part about the country, although there too my own practice is to
reserve prayer more for individuals I know rather than for entire groups of
people. As mentioned in last week's posting, prayer is a very personal thing, so
I would counsel anyone to listen to the Spirit and pray according to His
prompting.
On elections, there were no elections in ancient Israel under the Law. It was
not a democracy. The Lord was their King (and then they eventually demanded and
got a king). And when the New Testament was written, the Roman empire was also
not a democracy. They had elections, but not in the sense we have today.
I don't tell believers what to do. It's not a sin to vote; it's not a sin to
abstain. I haven't voted since well before this ministry was officially
launched, but I did occasionally do so in the distant past. We believers do
understand that God's will is going to be done regardless of the outcome of any
human election, so that getting super involved in politics is almost always
going to be an unnecessary distraction to spiritual growth – and a pointless one
too, since God honors our efforts in behalf of the truth, not on behalf of
secular activities which have nothing to do with the truth. The Lord Jesus
Christ is OUR King.
There is a trend in the church-visible, and especially in older line groups but
also in "emergent church / NAR / Seven Mountains" type groups, to believe that
through politics they are furthering God's work, even bringing in the
Millennium, or "hastening the day" when Christ returns. But that is dangerous
heresy. Does God involve Himself in the affairs of nations? Yes He does, but if
we want positive help from Him for our nation, as I have said many, many times,
the best thing we can do, really the only effective thing we can do, is to "be
salt" (see
the link). Nations get the rulers they deserve, good and bad. But believers
who constitute God's remnant have a preserving effect. The more solid, mature,
growing and progressing and producing believers there are in any given country,
the more it will be blessed by the Lord and the less likely it will be to be
cursed by Him – and that has nothing to do with politics.
So as to "if 5 people would vote", "Abraham petitioned the Lord to spare
Sodom because he was concerned for his nephew Lot (Gen.18:20-33). He was able to
"negotiate" the Lord to spare the place "if only ten righteous" could be found
within it. Abraham thought – and was correct – that such would be a sufficient
remnant. But what he didn't take into consideration was that there was only ONE
righteous man in the whole place (2Pet.2:7). Lot himself was spared, but not his
country.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,
Whether rightly or wrongly, I have decided that paying attention to the "news,"
government and most major corporations is in total violation of Paul's
instructions to the Philippians. (4:8) Doing any promotes unease and anger.
Besides, I can do absolutely nothing about any of it. If I'm wandering off in
the weeds, please straighten me. Otherwise, thank you for wasting time on my
venting.
In our Lord,
Response #8:
Philippians 4:8 (and Colossians 3:1-2) definitely direct us to focus on the good
things that are ours by virtue of being believers in Jesus Christ – rather than
on the world over which we have no control (even those who seem to have some
measure of control really do not).
In terms of "violation", however, both of those passages put things in an
entirely positive light, and that is the way I would wish to think about them.
"It's good to do this!" isn't the same as "It's wrong to do that!", even if that
is the logic of it. If it were beneficial to have said it in the negative way,
I'm sure that the Spirit would have had Paul do so.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 NKJV
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.
2nd Thessalonians 3:16 NKJV
Clearly, allowing ourselves to get overly upset about what is happening in the
world is not going to be conducive to tapping into this wonderful peace which is
our heritage as those who belong to Jesus Christ.
Hope you are doing well, my friend – keeping you in my daily prayers (and thanks
so much for yours).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hello,
I remember where I pointed out where I was getting my information for a pre-tribulational
rapture. It clearly states this in scripture.
The Lord returns for the church at the rapture of the church. The resurrections
of believers occur at this time.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
That is before the Great Tribulation, and before the 1000 year reign of Jesus
Christ.
1007 years.
I will never believe otherwise, sorry.
I also noticed something in the one link.
You reject the biblical doctrine of eternal security?
You cannot lose your salvation which is eternal.
Response #9:
Re the pre-Trib "rapture": "It clearly states this in scripture." I notice that you only cite the passage but don't quote it. Read it. It does not say anything about this happening before the Tribulation. It does not say anything about going back to heaven. In fact, the passage is identical in detail to what our Lord says:
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Matthew 24:29-31
So you don't have to take my word for it. You just need to believe what Jesus
said. And what Paul says in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 does NOT contradict the
above in any way but is nearly identical in every important detail: Paul is
practically quoting the passage above.
So when you say, "That is before the Great Tribulation", you are contradicting
the Lord who says "after". You're certainly NOT getting it from the Bible.
Re: "I will never believe otherwise, sorry." This is what all cults count
on, namely, that those enthralled to them will never actually read scripture for
themselves but will instead rely on "the traditions of men" which they have been
taught (Mk.7:7).
I do realize that many "mainstream" groups teach this false doctrine – and also
"Once saved, always saved". That is to their shame, even if they may (possibly)
be teaching some true things too. But, as believers, we are all here to follow
Jesus Christ after salvation. That means we are individually responsible for
what we do and fail to do. It won't be a good excuse standing before the Lord on
that day that "my church taught that". Possible response: why didn't you read
your Bible and find another church or ministry?
In terms of eternal security, yes I do believe that our salvation is secure just
as long as we are "in Christ", just as long as we are believers. There are
plenty of "pins and needles" groups out there who teach that if you sin you are
lost (and so they pretend they don't sin); that is wrong. But it's just as wrong
to say that we can do whatever we want and not damage our faith. For one thing,
if we involve ourselves in gross sin and refuse to repent, we are likely to be
taken out of this life by the "sin unto death". But many who involve themselves
in gross sin turn away from the Lord entirely abandoning as a result, and only
believers are saved (see
the link).
"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 3:18 KJV
If you don't believe, you are not a believer. And as our Lord makes crystal clear above, only believers are saved. It is possible to lose faith (see the link: Apostasy and the sin unto death). That is why scripture makes the dangers so clear:
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Romans 11:22 KJV
Why do you think scripture makes this point so often if there were no possibility for a believer to stop believing and thus fall from grace (see the link for many more passages)? And why do you think the Bible has so much to say about the Tribulation if not a single believer will be on earth the moment it starts? And of course there are plenty of references to believers in the Tribulation to be found in Revelation (e.g., Rev.5:8; 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 8:3-4; 12:17; 13:10; 14:14-16; 15:2-4; 16:5-6; 17:6; 18:4; 18:20; 18:24; 20:4).
So, re: "You can't lose your salvation", you can certainly throw it away . . . through abandoning Jesus Christ.
(11) Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; (12) If we persevere, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; (13) If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.
2nd Timothy 2:11-13
These are two of the three major false doctrines the devil is using to trick
believers into 1) going into the Tribulation unprepared, and 2) assuming then
that they can do anything they want – including taking the mark of the beast to
avoid persecution – and still be saved. The third false doctrine in this set,
"institutional security", is the idea that just by being in "a church", being a
member or communicant or whatever, there is safety. That is not the case (though even many Protestant denominations intimate that even if they don't teach
it directly). And in fact, since all of these groups are prophesied to join in
antichrist's one world religion, they will drag the majority of their adherents
with them to damnation (link).
So this is serious stuff. You have free will, the image of God. You have a right
to believe what you want. But it's only safe to believe the truth. Just because
we've been taught it from our youth, doesn't mean it squares with the Bible. How
do we know if something is true or not? Read the Bible (see
the link).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Sir,
I can't argue back and forth my points. I have more serious concerns in my life
at this moment.
Believers do not go through the tribulation dispensation.
As for eternal life, once a person expresses faith alone in Jesus Christ alone,
they are eternally secure.
I'm sorry, I disagree with any other teachings.
Take care of yourself.
Have a wonderful life.
Response #10:
In the Bible, Jesus says, that He will send out His angels to gather the elect
in resurrection "Immediately after the tribulation of those days"
(Matt.24:29ff.).
The Bible, Jesus Christ, says "after", but you say "before".
Is it really me you're disagreeing with?
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
He is gathering the various people who believe during the tribulation
dispensation.
Again, believers do not go through the tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is very clear about this concept.
You take care of yourself sir.
Response #11:
Re: "He is gathering the various people who believe during the tribulation dispensation." I think that would have been news to the disciples to whom our Lord gave this explanation when they asked Him, "When will these things take place?" (Matt.24:3). Because then, in the very next verse, our Lord tells the disciples, "Take heed that no one deceives you". And throughout the Olivet discourse, our Lord addresses the disciples as those who potentially will have to deal with and recognize the very Tribulation issues He relates. But if only those saved during the Tribulation were affected, He wouldn't have said, He couldn't have said "you" repeatedly – because these things could in that case not possibly apply to them or to you or to me or to any Church Age believers on account of the "rapture".
(23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming (parousia). (24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
1st Corinthians 15:23-24 NKJV
According to Paul, the same apostle who wrote the Thessalonian epistles, there are only three echelons of the resurrection of the righteous: 1) our Lord who is the "firstfruits"; 2) "those who are His when He comes (parousia referring to the second advent)"; 3) the end, which, since it is speaking of the end of Christ's millennial rule after which He "delivers the kingdom" over to the Father, must be those who believe during the Millennium. Therefore, there is only ONE resurrection of the Church, and thus that has to be what Matthew 24 is speaking about, not some additional resurrection of Tribulation believers – for then there would be four echelons and Paul who also wrote the passage used by rapture-adherents would be wrong in the passage quoted above.
(13) But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming (Gk. parousia) of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJV
When you say, "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is very clear about this concept",
what, exactly, do you see in this passage which suggests in any way that this
will happen BEFORE the Tribulation? Paul calls this Christ's parousia, a
technical term for the second advent (cf. 1Cor.15:23 above and elsewhere;
see the link).
The resurrection, our Lord tells us, occurs after, not before, the Tribulation
(since, as demonstrated above, there is only one resurrection of the Church and
no special resurrection for Tribulation believers):
(29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (31) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:29-31 KJV
Re: "Again, believers do not go through the tribulation." Would that you
were correct! However, since this is not the case, by teaching believers this
false doctrine, groups and teachers who do so are guilty of fostering a
lackadaisical spirit which will cause many to be unprepared for that difficult
time.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
https://bibletruthpublishers.com/the-church-will-not-go-through-the-tribulation/stanley-bruce-anstey/outline-of-the-book-of-revelation/bruce-anstey/la156004
Take care of yourself sir.
I don't wish to discuss this any further.
Response #12:
Who is Bruce Anstey? I tried to find a biography of him but to no avail.
I put my credentials online for all to see (at
the link). I could also mention that he has many books available for
sale. There's nothing wrong with that per se, but someone who is making
money off of biblical positions ought at least to reveal who they are.
The materials at Ichthys are available for no charge to any and all.
I think this response of yours is one of the problems, namely, relying
on "teaching" that does not square with the Bible, and then assuming
that because it is taught by someone in authority (although, again, I
have no idea what the basis of this person's assumed authority might
be), that for that reason those accepting false doctrine are freed from
the responsibility of their decisions, as if they had no access to
scripture. That is not the case, especially when a simple reading of the
English Bible makes the issue clear.
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”
Matthew 24:3-4 NKJV
Ichthys is not everyone's "cup of tea". If you're not interested in reading the site for any reason, I also highly recommend Curt Omo's Bible Academy (at the link). *[p.s., our friend could very much use everyone's prayers right now]
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
[omitted]
Response #13:
Just had a couple of nice emails from a fellow who found Ichthys through
your Hubpages, specifically: the article "THE RAPTURE PRINCIPLE: Is
It Before, During, or After?"
So thank you!
Hope you and yours are well, my friend (keeping you in my daily
prayers).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob,
Rereading Matthew's description of Jesus' arrest, persecution and execution and
given His statement to the apostles that they would be persecuted and killed,
shouldn't we expect the same? Current headlines suggest most are increasingly
anti-Christian and anti-Christian values. Particularly students, young adults
and some not so young adults. I hope that is not a problem at U of L.
Speaking of which, from the perversion in the news, I suspect there is still
demon possession. I know of no reason it would have ceased. Is there anything in
scripture that would suggest it has? I'm getting rather sick of the headlines
and can't find much reason for what people do except that. I don't see much
point in the "news" anymore.
An opinion: in this
Saturday's post (10/19) as others in previous weeks, people seem worried
about their salvation. I believe Jesus meant what he said. Believers won't
perish. There has been ample proof in my life of many of the things recorded in
the gospels are true. Why should I doubt what I haven't experienced?
Plus, the miracle of birth itself is evidence of higher design and engineering.
Consider the humble chicken egg. It has protection, food and air. All eggs are
similar. Even human and mammal is similar, though the mothers don't require a
hard shell because the mother is the shell. The mechanism is the same. That
couldn't possibly have crawled out of the primordial soup. I think scientists
are much like contemporary Christians. They base their theories, for the most
part, on guesses and the wild assumptions of others and accept that as true.
Thanks for tolerating my venting! I pray all is well with you and yours.
In our Lord,
Response #14:
Re: "I suspect there is still demon possession", I'm sure that you're
correct. We saw the Lord (and the 12 and the 72) cast out many demons during His
three and a half year ministry. Nowhere else in scripture do we see a time when
it seems so many were afflicted in this way. If that is a correct assessment, it
may be that the devil, in anticipating his opposition to the Messiah's pre-cross
ministry, pulled out all the stops in this regard.
The other issue today is that there is probably a measure of Holy Spirit
restraint on this (that will end when the Tribulation begins). Also, I should
add, it's likely that subtle rather than overt possession suits the devil's
interests at present. After all, part of his propaganda is that nothing
spiritual exists; everything is material. Overtly demon possessed individuals
acting up on every street corner could well undermine his own efforts and plans.
One other big question is whether or not Satan will possess antichrist. It is
possible. However, since the devil is not cast out of heaven until the
Tribulation's mid-point, and since many of the beast's "accomplishments" take
place in the first three and a half years, that circle is hard to square.
Re: "shouldn't we expect the same?" That is what we are supposed to be
preparing for, all right.
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another."
Matthew 24:9-10 NKJV
"They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service."
John 16:2 NKJV
Good observations about God's faithfulness and the perfection of His design, my friend! If we do as we are supposed to do, holding tight to our faith and growing in Him, we can have every confidence of His deliverance, one way or another.
"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Ok, thank you Bob!
…I’d still like to know what God wants me to do, but I guess I have to wait and
find it out later…
Until I have another question! Good bye!
In our good Friend, Christ
Response #15:
Re: "I’d still like to know what God wants me to do": He definitely wants you to grow to spiritual maturity, pass the tests of refinement that come to those who are progressing thereafter, and conduct the ministry in an honorable and consistent way He'll give you then – that is what He wants from us all (only the details are different).
(9) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in full-knowledge (epignosis: truth believed) and in all discernment, (10) so that you may be able to evaluate the things that are good and appropriate [for you to do] to be sincere and without offense in regard to the day of Christ (i.e., to gain a maximum reward at Christ's judgment seat), (11) full of the righteous production Jesus Christ [commends] to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11
These are our marching orders, regardless of what may come, even the
Tribulation. We take one day at a time, accomplishing the mission upon
which our Lord Jesus Christ has set us.
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob,
This may be naive, but I believe that scripture and particularly the prophets
completely describes the Lord's attitude toward paganism and perversion, which
we have embraced in spades. I see no difference between today's society and the
societies of Israel and Judah the prophets railed against. Ergo, no need of
contemporary prophecies. Along with considering the fates of Assyria, Babylon,
Greece, Rome and later empires, I see no positive outcome for us.
The church apparent, seems to have embraced the same perverted values as the
ancients. I turned on the TV today, which I rarely do and, lo and behold, Joel
Osteen was on. I changed channels quickly after hearing a little, and only found
more nonsense. The pope says all beliefs lead to God which directly contradicts
scripture and many of the protestant denominations are embracing perversion as
well. They clearly haven't read the Bible. Are these the golden calves of today?
I see no need to involve myself further in that nonsense.
Do you think I'm being too radical?
Your 10/12 post
inspired these comments. It seems many are having doubts. which I attribute to
the devil's influence. His influence seems to be strengthening which I suspect
will only increase. The "ecumenism" of today is alarming. I believe Satanism
will soon be a part of that, if not already, which fits in quite well with the
Tribulation.
I apologize, I had to emote. I pray all is well with you and yours and U of L is
treating you well.
In Jesus,
Response #16:
Re: "I believe that scripture and particularly the prophets completely
describes the Lord's attitude toward paganism and perversion" – indeed they
do.
Re: "Ergo, no need of contemporary prophecies." I think that is a good
point. The problem is that this word, even in scripture, covers more than
foretelling of eschatological events. Everything in the Bible is "prophetic"
(cf. 2Pet.1:19-21). These modern day "prophets" described in that posting (see
the link) spout all manner of
"prophecies" including things related to individuals only. If they were sticking
to proclaiming doom for nations which depart from basic morality and/or
persecute believers, at least we could affirm that this was consistent with
scripture. But there are no boundaries on the type of "information" they
proffer. This makes them very dangerous . . . for any believer who gives them
credence.
J.O. is one of those "name it / claim it" types who teach that we have authority
over this physical world if only we have sufficient faith. There are all manner
of new age related "ministries" and "ministers" and false practices abroad in
the church-visible today which have more in common with paganism, eastern
philosophies, the occult and Gnosticism than they do with biblical Christianity.
They are often hard to pin down and characterize since they are always morphing
from one gimmick or magic phrase to another. What they all have in common is
that none of them has anything to do with Jesus Christ in truth. The saddest
thing is that many of their teachings and practices ("contemplative prayer",
just to take one popular abomination) have infiltrated many groups which in the
past were just doing nothing positive for the Lord . . . but have now become
part of the problem to one degree or another. Don't get me started on "the
pope". About the only thing I'll say here is that the differences between the RC
church/teachings and the contemporary "emergent church" in particular are
becoming fewer and less distinct by the day (which ought to tell us something).
Your last paragraph is a fair description of where things stand and where they
are headed. I too am dismayed at the acceleration of these trends. But on the
other hand, that also means that we don't have as long to wait as we might
otherwise have imagined.
Always good to hear from you, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Dear Dr. Luginbill,
I was not going to send this video/site information because you are so busy but
after reading your emails from today and everyone's questions related to this I
thought I would pass it on. It is probably the best and simplest answer to those
who profess the pretrib rapture false theory. The song Revelation was recently
written by John Rich, you probably do not know about him, and he is interviewed
by Tucker Carlson, you probably are not familiar with him either but I have sent
this to a couple friends who are pretrib and it did make them think about their
belief, so if you get a chance you might at least check out a little of it to
get the flavor of what he says. I think a lot of people will understand what he
has to say and gets to the point. You can Google Tucker Carlson's interview with
John Rich on Revelation, it is a little over an hour but there may be shorter
versions. I am not tech literate or I could email it to you directly. Tucker
asks him directly when talking about taking the mark and if you can't buy or
sell then what and John replies "you have to be willing to die"
https://x.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1813258091997327545?lang=en
Our family is doing OK after the loss, ok but not great. Not sure if I ever will
be but the Lord and lots of prayer has helped. Her daughter, is still struggling
and needs prayer for comfort and salvation. I volunteer at a Christian food
pantry and a couple of the people who know her sent her a t-shirt the volunteers
got this year with Luke 15:4 and a sweet looking sheep on it and a New Testament
Bible and inspirational book for her birthday, coming from them and not grandma
might be better received. So only prayer and Jesus can help her.
This election and the remainder of this year should be very interesting. I am
not sure if Trump was saved for a special reason, God puts in place who He wants
so time will tell.
Continued blessings for your wonderful ministry.
Response #17:
Interesting. To be honest, I'm not much of a music fan. I did see the lyrics and watched a little of the interview and a small part of the song. It strikes me as a "lite" version of Johnny Cash's "When the Man Comes Around". I do think it's good for people to accept the reality of "what's coming". And as Jesus said, "For he who is not against us is on our[ side" (Mk.9:40 NKJV; cf. Lk.9:50). Having had many discussions with pre-Trib believers through the years (and having been one myself many, many years ago (before I started reading scripture carefully for myself), I'm not sure that they would find any of this convincing. The actual commencement of the Tribulation while they still find themselves here on earth, however, is bound to do so.
(1) And when He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (2) And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. (3) And another angel with a golden censer came and stood by the altar, and much incense was given to him so that he might offer it for the prayers of the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. (4) And smoke from the incense went up from the hand of the angel before God for the prayers of the saints. (5) Then the angel took the incense holder and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it to the earth. And there occurred thunderous voices(1) and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:1-5
Re: the election being interesting, that is certainly the case – in the sense of
watching a tornado bearing down on your humble abode. In my estimation of
things, we are getting very close to the above, and so how things "fall out"
this fall may be instructive as to how they will "fall out" a few years hence.
But maybe not. The rapidity of change just as soon as the Tribulation begins
will be so unprecedented that things could be completely overturned virtually
overnight, what with the removal of the Spirit's prior restraint on satanic
activity (see
the link).
Also, regardless of who is in power in this country, nothing is going to stop
the onset of those events. It's also interesting that no viable candidate for
"antichrist" has yet to appear on the public stage. One thing that I believe
it's impossible to miss for anyone reading through
CT 3B carefully (at the link), is the
exceptional (in an evil sense) nature of the beast, like no one we've ever seen
before in history. I think it's beyond obvious, whatever one's political
persuasions, that nobody coming close to fitting that description has yet come
on the scene. But I suppose we should expect that, inasmuch as according to
scripture antichrist will also have a "revelation", that is, will be revealed to
the world . . . only after the Tribulation begins:
(3) Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the 2nd Advent cannot come] unless the Apostasy [the great falling away of the faithful in the first half of the Tribulation] has already occurred, and the man of lawlessness [antichrist] has been revealed, that "son of destruction" (cf. Jn.17:12 of Judas), (4) the one who will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god and object of worship to such a degree that he will take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God. (5) Don’t you remember that I was telling you these things while I was still with you? (6) Even now you know what it is (i.e., the Spirit) that restrains [antichrist] so that he will be revealed [only] in his own time. (7) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work – it is only the Restrainer [who keeps things in check, and will] until He moves out of the way. (8) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the Spirit of His mouth, and will annihilate with the appearance of His coming.
2nd Thessalonians 2:3-8
I have been praying for you and also for your granddaughter, my friend, and
promise to keep it up. Thanks for thinking of me and for keeping me "in the
loop".
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Dr. Luginbill, Thank you for your reply. I agree that his song is a little
lite but so are many so called believers so maybe, just maybe, it will touch
them. I tell many people about your site and the valuable information but I do
think most roll their eyes and do not look into it because many times, the next
time I see them, they will say "now what was that site you told me about", or
"how do you spell that Professors name", so they haven't checked it out. I have
been studying with you for almost 20 years now and I can understand when they go
to Ichthys that it is overwhelming with ALL the information. So perhaps someone
like John Rich saying that the Pretrib rapture theory is not correct and he lays
out the history of John Darby in the 1880's and how it came into the churches
and is a feel good but not scripturally accurate accounting of especially
Matthew 24 might make them learn something. John goes line by line that it is
after these things that Jesus is telling His disciples that He will return,
after the falling away, after the man of perdition is revealed, etc. Most
importantly he explains that they will be deceived about taking the mark because
they will believe that since they are still here and have not been raptured out
of here before the tribulation that it is not the mark that scripture is talking
about and will fall for the lie. He and his pastor father were both pretrib and
after a thoughtful and through study of scripture they both saw that scripture
did not say Christians would be taken out of the world before that great and
terrible day of the Lord but rather would have to go through it. Well. even if
only a few people watch it and learn the error of their ways and are saved
because of it that is wonderful.
The Lord certainly directed my path to find you when I left the brick and mortar
church or I might have been one of those who went the way of believing the lie
being taught by so many churches, especially here in the Bible Belt. Probably
90% of people I meet or volunteer with are and the other % are RC. So I do thank
Him that over the years you have been a steady foundation of the truth of
scripture for me to study and learn.
You mentioned that no one has appeared that is as evil as the antichrist will be
but the world is showing such evil and acceptance of it in our schools and
churches. Many are ok with abortion up and until the ninth month, trans gender
surgery on very young kids, drag queen story hour in our schools and libraries,
I never would have thought any of that possible so we are being feed evil all
the time and everywhere I think to prepare us and numb us to the evil that is
coming. What a world we now live in!
Well, as always, thank you and many blessings to you . Thank you also for
continued prayers for me and my granddaughter.
Response #18:
I confess I didn't watch the whole hour plus. After a good long time (by my
lights) of talking about J.R.'s creative process, I went to the music video. And
that disturbed me a bit because I do not like people doing pictorial
representations of our Lord or dramatizations of things supposedly in the Bible.
I never watched the Mel Gibson movie for precisely the same reason. We're
supposed to form our "heart picture" of the Lord from the truth, not from other
people's imaginations artistically expressed (that's the same essential problem
I have with the vast majority of hymns as well).
So I will include the link whenever I post this. If the Darby theory is
debunked, that is not all bad. Most Christians who believe in "the rapture" do
so because they were taught it and NOT because they found it anywhere in the
Bible. If they find out that it was only fairly recently invented, that might
cause them to at least check out the pertinent scriptures.
Thanks for your good words and your testimony. And, yes, the world is
degenerating pretty fast. It was only a few years back that the most left wing
people in the country were affirming that "marriage is something between a man
and a woman only", but now you're a bigot if you don't want boys in your teenage
daughter's locker room. One could go on, but it's too depressing. Blessedly, we
know that the Lord will be back soon and then all evil will be crushed. And we
will see that close up and personal as members of His Church! So that is where
we set our sights, not on this present evil world.
Keeping you and your granddaughter in my prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hello again Dr. Luginbill, I hesitated to email you about the video because I
know you are very busy with your classes and ministry but I did find value in
his testimony. A good friend who is very pretrib listened to it and I think
finally understood what I had been telling her that scripture does not say we
will be raptured out of here and we can never take the mark. She like most,
myself included, would much prefer not to have to suffer and she was content to
think that she didn't have to worry about not being able to buy or sell or
basically live in this world because she wouldn't be here to ever have to make
the decision. So she, like all of us, has to get strong spiritually and stay
close to the Lord and use discernment about the times and be prepared to give up
our life if it comes to that. Those who believe the lie will unfortunately take
the mark and give up their forever home with Jesus : (.
So again I appreciate your time about this. I think the Lord chooses people like
a John Rich who have a platform to reach people that you or I might not be able
to and I feel he truly believes in his heart that he needed to get this song and
interview out there.
Blessings,
PS. In your emails from this past Sunday I had to chuckle at the person asking
many questions and you thoughtfully explaining and then he came back with "but I
still believe in the Pretrib Rapture." There are some so blind...
Response #19:
Excellent points. Yes, we all must "be prepared to give up our life if it comes
to that". My take on all of it put together is that there will be a goodly
number of believers who do "wake up" once the Tribulation begins. But that will
be a hard time to have to move from near zero to spiritual maturity in a short
time. Plenty of others will fall away. We'd all like to be comfortable, myself
included, like riding in first class with no turbulence until we come in for a
smooth landing. But even if we are freezing and being bounced around in the
baggage compartment, as long as the Lord brings us in safe, after "landing" it
won't make any difference how the trip went – except to say that bigger rewards
are generally consistent with greater turbulence.
No doubt J.R. may be paying a price for the truth. That usually happens. I
certainly admire that.
And, yes, it is always a little bit frustrating when people won't accept truth
that is pretty clear and difficult to ignore. In such cases, I usually get
emails like that received about five minutes after I send a carefully thought
out missile with links to studies that would have taken days to read carefully.
We do what we can do. What the Lord gives us to do.
Thanks again for alerting me to this. Keeping you and yours in my daily prayers,
my friend – and thanks for sticking with it all these years!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Thanks so much Bob,
I think I was losing sight of God's love for me in all of this when really it is
His love that is first, foremost, central and integral to who He is.
Romans 5:10
For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death
of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his
life!
I have let weeds in Bob and also put other people before my first love and let
them and what they think of me be important when it doesn't matter. What God
thinks of me though carries both eternal consequences as well as eternal
rewards.
Thanks again as always for your tireless support. I felt a bit ashamed on Sunday
to read through so many people's emails, so full of the love of the Lord and not
sounding weary at all. I remember being like that early in my walk but I seemed
to have been bogged down of late and lost a lot of that joy we are supposed to
have. Forgive me for my moaning to you.
I saw this photo yesterday and thought it was a parody or AI but sadly not ....
Just Trump supporters wearing Trump solidarity bandages on their ears. Just
showing the world what cultists look like and they really have no embarrassment
or shame about this at all.
I am so glad that I ignore all this kind of rubbish now and have a huge
emotional distance from it all. It occurred to me though after reading Sunday's
emails and the parallels with the assassination attempt and vaccine with the
fatal head wound and the mark of the beast. With this ear bandage thing...it
made me wonder if the beast himself would be the first to get his own mark and
so his ardent followers would then be all the more zealous to be 'conformed to
his image' after his being revived from seeming death.
Just a thought.
In the Lord,
Response #20:
Another good parallel, just as was discussed in the most recent posting about
identifying antichrist (here's
a similar link). Again, while of course this is not nearly on the same level
as taking the mark of the beast, it is following the same sort of pattern:
rather than being appalled at the mark, it's the case I think that most of the
beast's followers will be delighted to be marked, and permanently so, in his
"honor" (see
the link).
Don't lose heart because you're experiencing "turbulence" in these latest tests,
my friend. You are handling them! And we all handle some tests better than
others. Just hang in there (keeping up the prayer on this end).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Hello Bob,
May your research and the writing of your article be going smoothly. I
don’t know how your process works—but I can never tell how long a paper
or a literary project is going to take me. If it were like working out
on the treadmill, and I could determine the amount of time to complete
the project, I’d feel better. But it’s just a ‘wait and see’ and ‘get
into it’ and ‘see what happens’ kind of process. Fortunately, I usually
like the process of writing (once I’ve done the preparation and
research). But it’s getting there that is ‘fluid.’ How about for you?
Given your experience in writing articles and in publication, you may
have a much better ‘handle’ on what it takes to get to the finish line.
I participated in the Bible discussion group this past Thursday, it was
a really engaging discussion among the four of us who ‘zoomed’ in. In
the book club, we were discussing Alice Munro’s Too Much Happiness. I’m
a great fan of her writing. But given all the commotion and alarming
news on the national front, I knew we might break into a political
discussion. There’s not much point because we all seem to be in
political agreement—so the book club becomes a ‘vent fest’ So before we
started our discussion (and I could tell the wind was blowing into the
direction of “Ain’t it awful. . ..”) I said, “I have a request, “No
politics until we’re finished with the book.” Everyone agreed, and we
had a good animated discussion of Munro.
May you be enjoying this more mild weather and newly remodeled home.
Whew! It must feel good to be done with all of that (at least for the
time being).
May you be well and happy,
Response #21:
In terms of method in writing, I don't know that it's any better or different
than it's ever been. I just bang away at it until it's done. Haven't been doing
enough of that this summer, but I do have some good excuses. It's only two weeks
since the visit, and it was a load getting ready. Thrilled that it's mostly
done, but still.
Amen to avoiding politics. That is what I counsel everyone connected to the
Ichthys ministry. God is the One who is really in control, and the only true way
for believers to have any genuine impact is for Him to honor our "saltiness". So
if a believer cares about their country, they should invest in spiritual growth.
Besides, when it comes to sharing opinions about such things, in my experience
many if not most of other people's opinions are wrong! LOL And they often don't
appreciate mine at all (alas!).
Thanks for your friendship!
Bob
Question #22:
Hi Bob,
Yes, arrogant was the word I was thinking of too. I found an old email I
wrote to you. It was all about contemplative prayer and when the
so-called "Toronto Blessing" came over to the UK. All the nutty
behaviour of people laughing, being "drunk in the spirit", roaring like
lions and making noises like chickens. It was described as "pandemonium"
with bodies strewn all over the place. And you told me the meaning of
"pandemonium" - a word coined by Milton - meaning "demons everywhere".
How spot on is that, Bob?! Anyway, I couldn't believe that it was six
years ago when I wrote that to you. How time flies!
[omitted]
Hope you had a good day Bob and that classes went well. Friday seems
like a tough day for you but it's the weekend now. Hope you have a great
one and keeping you in my prayers!
In Jesus
Response #22:
Thanks for this. Yes, I posted that email at the link: "Spiritual
Gifts and False Teaching". At the time, I had no idea how far this
sort of thing had progressed and just how many people were involved in
it and had bought into the lies. I started to get an inkling of it with
the whole Asbury "outpouring" thing last year, and what disturbed me the
most was the number of mainline or evangelical types who were buying
into that dangerous nonsense. The fact of this sort of thing is bad. The
size of it is worse. The metastasizing is the worst. Apparently the NAR
movement has expanded in politics over here too, but it doesn't get much
media play (unless you're looking in the right places;
see the link),
probably because mainstream outlets don't want to give them any
attention. There'll be a good deal about some of this in Hebrews chapter
10 (still have a long way to go with it at present, however; hopefully
out by Thanksgiving but no promises).
Thanks for your prayers too, my friend – you got me to the weekend! And
it was a LONG week.
In Jesus,
Bob L.